Need a fresh topic for spirited stimulating conversation with a would-be suitor? Want to take a pencil sharpener to your brain, laugh until you make yourself snort, take a trip to the darkest of places, or marvel over the magic of the sentence? Our latest Literary Fiction collection contains three wildly diverse but equally brilliant short story collections, along with an uncompromising look at modern academia and a masterpiece of English literature. As always, any title is just $6.99, or the entire collection can be yours for $24.99.

Fight for Your Long Day by Alex Kudera. Narrated by Mark F. Smith.  Published in print by Atticus Books.
“Alex Kudera’s novel makes lemonade out of the knowledge economy’s stingy share of lemons, eking every ounce of catharsis owed to veterans of the core curriculum’s front lines.” — Justin Bauer, books columnist, Philadelphia City Paper

From Dark Places by E.J. Newman. Narrated by Emma Newman.  Published in print by eMergent Publishing.
“Every tale in this collection is delightful, spooky, creepy. Emma Newman is a master at saying just enough to make your own imagination give you goosebumps, and her characters are clear and well-defined.” — Gracie Motley

Someday This Will be Funny by Lynne Tillman. Published in print by Cursor/Red Lemonade. Narrated by Lee Ann Howlett.
“Tillman’s fictions tend to be (to steal a line from one of her stories) as “outrageously ineffable, obdurate and evasive” as the forms of desire they describe. Gorgeously at ease and technically virtuosic, the stories are ever on point — on point, that is, if the point of your reading has more to do with psychological nuance and bravura performances of language than with conventional story lines.” – Forrest Gander, The New York Times

Squishy: Short Stories by Arjun Basu. Narrated by Bruce Pirie.  Published in print by DC Books.
“Squishy shines not only as entertainment, but also as an illuminating literary work. In revealing human pretensions and the mechanisms of chance that govern our fates, Basu reminds us to treat each other with more compassion, and to take ourselves a little less seriously.” — Montreal Review of Books

The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford. Narrated by Robert Keiper.
“The Good Soldier is an odd and maybe even unique book. That it is a masterpiece, almost a perfect novel, comes as a repeated surprise even to readers who have read it before. […] Ford wrote other very good novels – his tetralogy Parade’s End is moving and innovative – but he called The Good Soldier his “auk’s egg” (“having reached the allotted, I had laid my one egg and might as well die”); it does have the quality of saying absolutely everything about both his story and his theme – not just everything he has to say, but everything there is to say.” — Jane Smiley, Guardian.co.uk

This week, we continue in our efforts to charm, woo, wine, dine, dote on, seduce, beguile, and romance you. You’ll either be swept off your feet by the tempestuous Greek adventures of Andreas and Kizzy in Storm’s Heart, or slowly work up the courage to fall completely for Isabel Hart in Trencarrow Secret. But don’t torture yourselves over this decision – when it comes to audiobooks, you should love them all. Here’s more:

Trencarrow Secret by Anita Davison. Narrated by Ruth Golding.  Published in print by MuseitUp Publishing.
” Each chapter is more tempting than the one before it. Fans of eloquent and meaningful romantic historical fiction will want to savour every word. Not only are the historical details well presented, but the love story that unfolds is exhilarating and stunning.” Mirella Patzer – Historical Novel Review Blog

Storm’s Heart by Rachel Lyndhurst. Narrated by E.J. Newman.  Published in print by Salt Publishing.
“This is contemporary romance that will take you on an exciting adventure … Storm’s Heart explores the path to love for Andreas and Kizzy with great scenery and well drawn characters. Storm’s Heart should be the book on the top of your To Be Read list.” — Sizzling Hot Book Reviews

Don’t forget to enter our birthday giveaway for a chance to win a big pile of audiobooks!

Audiobook reviewers, book bloggers, and Iambik ambassadors, email Miette for review copies of any title.

With almost 100 titles published during our infant first year, we’re happy to call ourselves prodigious. But before we go bragging by selling out concert halls or explaining the secrets of cold fusion, string theory, and old-fashioned lead-to-gold conversion, we thought we’d share our big day with you in the more classic tradition:

We’re giving away audiobooks!

That’s right. If your pockets are empty or you’ve been waiting for an excuse, now’s your chance to fill your ears with the sweet sound of a successful first year. And I’m not talking about the sounds of screaming, feeding, or diaper changing. We’re prodigies, remember?

Here’s what we’re giving away:

• Grand Prize (1 winner): Your choice of any 10 books from our catalog.
• Second Prize (1 winner): Your choice of any 5 books from our catalog.
• Third Prize (5 winners): Your choice of any 1 book from our catalog.

You can enter via the usual channels: likes and follows etc. But for a greater chance of winning, we want to know your earliest bookish memory. What was the first book you read? The first book that was read to you? The first audiobook y0u listened to?  See the widget below for complete details and all the ways to win. Good luck, and here’s to a successful second year.

This contest will run for two weeks, so you have until the October 19, 2011 – our birthday – to collect entries.  Winners to be notified on October 20, 2011.

Note: the little (+) by each option shows you how many entries that option is worth!

The five titles in our first Romance collection offer over 38 hours of the hot, the bothered, the lustily heaving-bosomed, the warrior women and the hapless-in-love. If your preferred location for listening is in your vehicle, you’d be wise to drive somewhere for a cold shower afterward. And if you listen while you work, well, you’ve been warned. These 5 titles are yours for $6.99 each, or snag the entire collection for only $24.99.  Enjoy:

Around the World in Stilettos by Natalie-Jane Revell. Narrated by Cori Samuel.  Published in print by HandE Publishers.
“Cori Samuel beautifully brings Sophie to life in the most engaging and entertaining way; the personal tone flawlessly conveys Sophie’s point of view, in a way that makes you care about her decisions as one her best friend would do. — If you enjoy books like The Bridget Jones’s diary, and you love the Shopaholic books than you would find Sophie’s story very entertaining, or if you just want a light romantic listen with well developed – charming, characters, a beautifully descriptive and amusing narrative you’ll find Sophie’s drama hard to put down or in this case, hard to stop listening to.” — Hot Listens Romance Audiobooks

The Lady Soldier by Michelle Styles and Kate Allan. Narrated by Emma Newman.  Published in print by Salt Publishing.
“I have a weakness for loving “Chick-in-Pants” stories and Lindsey fed that need wonderfully with her rich descriptions and historical texturing. Her prose is beautiful and the historic research she obviously did proves that she is a writer with potential.” — Cybil Solyn, Rakehell

Daughter of Darkness by Janet Woods. Published in print by Belgrave House.  Narrated by Tadhg Hynes.
Major prize winner. Australian Woman’s Day Romantic Fiction award. (From judge’s report) “Highly entertaining story, skilful writing. interesting characters and good dialogue. Romance well developed, clever plotting generating suspense and reader involvement.” – Winner. 2002 Australian 2002 Romantic book of the year award 2002 (mainstream section) Awarded by: Romance Writers of Australia.
BONUS: Listen to a lusty excerpt at our Tumblr.

Nanny Behaving Badly by Judy Jarvie. Published in print by Salt Publishing. Narrated by Lee Ann Howlett.
If you like the characters you are reading about to grab you by the throat and pull you into their world, then this is a book to pick up and enjoy. Be warned, that once you open the first page, you may be reluctant to put it down until you turn the last one, so be prepared to give yourself plenty of time when you start reading. Some books you enjoy, and say ‘ahh’ when you put it down, some books you enjoy and pass on, and some.. like this one you add to your ‘keeper’ list. – Jay Essay, The Romance Studio – Five Hearts Rating
BONUS:  Read a saucy excerpt at our Tumblr.

Reversing Over Liberace by Jane Lovering. Narrated by Cori Samuel.  Published in print by Samhain Publishing.
“One of the funniest books I’ve read in ages! It is smart and witty and the romantic oozes from every direction in this story… the chaos is hysterical!… A whole host of laugh-out-loud bits make this book one I won’t forget.” — Marlene, Fallen Angels Reviews

This week, we’re acknowledging the lengthening of the nights with two fine works of dark, dark fiction. While these excellent titles are proven to treat symptoms associated with the onset of cold weather malaise, we cannot be responsible for what they do to your dreams.  Please do not listen at bedtime unless directed by a professional.

LITERARY SHORT FICTION
From Dark Places by E.J. Newman. Narrated by Emma Newman.  Published in print by eMergent Publishing.
“Newman is unafraid to explore the darker side of fiction and, by extension, life. The stories are by turns touching and funny and heartwarming. And dark. In places very, very dark. Leave the light on.” — Dan Powell, 2010 Yeovil Literary Prize winner

CRIME
One O’Clock Jump by Lise McClendon. Narrated by Mark Douglas Nelson.  Published in print by Thalia Press.
“Segueing neatly from the ski slopes of contemporary Wyoming (1999’s Nordic Nights) to the Kansas City of Count Basie and FDR’s fireside chats, McClendon debuts an excellent historical series, with evocative period dialogue and a story line full of surprises.” — Publishers Weekly

Audiobook reviewers, book bloggers, and Iambik ambassadors, email Miette for review copies of any title.

The days are shortening and the nights are cooling off, which means that you’re either in the mood to sharpen your brain after a summer of fuzzy drinks, or you’d rather stay under the covers with a lover for as long as possible.  Luckily, we have a work of political analysis for those of you in the first group, and a passel of romance titles for you lovers.  And for those of you who want the best of both, we’ve also got a work of provocative short fiction.  Enter the code “september-nights” at checkout for 20% off of any of these new titles:

LITERARY SHORT FICTION
Squishy by Arjun Basu. Narrated by Bruce Pirie.  Published in print by DC Books.
“Squishy shines not only as entertainment, but also as an illuminating literary work. In revealing human pretensions and the mechanisms of chance that govern our fates, Basu reminds us to treat each other with more compassion, and to take ourselves a little less seriously.” — Montreal Review of Books

POLITICAL SCIENCE/POLICY
No One is Illegal: Fighting Racism and State Violence on the U.S.-Mexico Border by Mike Davis and Justin Akers Chacon. Narrated by Mark Smith.  Published in print by Haymarket Books.
“The “immigration debate” suffers from ideologically-induced amnesia. No One Is Illegal is brimming with the historical context—and brave analysis —that we need to address the political and above all human crisis of migration. This book arrives not a moment too soon… literally, there are lives on the line.” — Rubén Martinez, author, The New Americans: Seven Families Journey to Another Country

ROMANCE
Nanny Behaving Badly by Judy Jarvie. Published in print by Salt Publishing. Narrated by Lee Ann Howlett.
If you like the characters you are reading about to grab you by the throat and pull you into their world, then this is a book to pick up and enjoy. Be warned, that once you open the first page, you may be reluctant to put it down until you turn the last one, so be prepared to give yourself plenty of time when you start reading. Some books you enjoy, and say ‘ahh’ when you put it down, some books you enjoy and pass on, and some.. like this one you add to your ‘keeper’ list. – Jay Essay, The Romance Studio – Five Hearts Rating

Daughter of Darkness by Janet Woods. Published in print by Belgrave House.  Narrated by Tadhg Hynes.
Major prize winner. Australian Woman’s Day Romantic Fiction award. (From judge’s report) “Highly entertaining story, skilful writing. interesting characters and good dialogue. Romance well developed, clever plotting generating suspense and reader involvement.” – Winner. 2002 Australian 2002 Romantic book of the year award 2002 (mainstream section) Awarded by: Romance Writers of Australia.

Reversing Over Liberace by Jane Lovering. Narrated by Cori Samuel.  Published in print by Samhain Publishing.
“One of the funniest books I’ve read in ages! It is smart and witty and the romantic oozes from every direction in this story… the chaos is hysterical!… A whole host of laugh-out-loud bits make this book one I won’t forget.” — Marlene, Fallen Angels Reviews

Audiobook reviewers, book bloggers, and Iambik ambassadors, email Miette for review copies of any title.

This is the time of year when I like to shake the sand out of my brain and light the pilot flame on my synapses, and this week’s new releases make it easy to do just that.  Our literary fiction selection’s biting social satire will remind you why you didn’t choose a career in academia, or if you did, will have you shaking your head in sympathy.  This week’s collection of science fiction short stories tackles the world’s most contentious issues from the sharp edge of fantastic fiction.  And if that’s not enough, our first children’s non-fiction release will teach listeners old and young how to build a spool tank, among other forgotten but treasured skills.  Here are this week’s titles:

We’ve got such diverse and exciting titles this week that it seems like summer blockbuster season over here, except with good material, fewer special effects, and way less botox. And so, we’re rolling right along with three new releases, including the latest dazzling short fiction collection from Lynne Tillman, the second title in Toby Frost’s Chronicles of Iambard Smith series, and an action-soaked, historical “chick-in-pants” romance.

As always, enter the code “rulebreaker” at checkout for an additional 25% off any title. Here’s what we’ve got lined up for you this week:

The Lady Soldier by Michelle Styles and Kate Allan. Narrated by Emma Newman.  Published in print by Salt Publishing.
“I have a weakness for loving “Chick-in-Pants” stories and Lindsey fed that need wonderfully with her rich descriptions and historical texturing. Her prose is beautiful and the historic research she obviously did proves that she is a writer with potential.” — Cybil Solyn, Rakehell

Someday This Will Be Funny by Lynne Tillman. Published in print by Cursor/Red Lemonade. Narrated by Lee Ann Howlett.
Gorgeously at ease and technically virtuosic, the stories are ever on point — on point, that is, if the point of your reading has more to do with psychological nuance and bravura performances of language than with conventional story lines. – Forrest Gander, New York Times

God Emperor of Didcot by Toby Frost. Published in print by Myrmidon.  Narrated by Clive Catterall.
The sci-fi world Smith inhabits is very much Blackadder meets Red Dwarf. There is a lot of gentle mockery, both of the British and Johnny Foreigner. Moments of amusement are almost constant, and some parts are quite hilarious. […] The author doesn’t get bogged down with scientific technicalities, and the plot is nice and fast-paced. – Thaddeus the Sixth

Audiobook reviewers, book bloggers, and Iambik ambassadors, email Miette for review and advance listening copies of any title.

This week we continue to appeal to your tastes where-ever they lie, with a mouthful of a literary title from our friends at Coach House Books, another young adult classic from the incomparable Mary Anderson, and a hardboiled sci-fi title that will steam up your nights.

And it’s still summer, so enter the code “rulebreaker” at checkout for an additional 25% off your purchase.  Summer’s not here for much longer, so download an audiobook and get outside.  Here are this week’s titles:

The Mitochondrial Curiosities of Marcels 1 to 19 by Jocelyn Brown. Narrated by Denice Stradling.  Published in print by Coach House Books.
“Jocelyn Brown’s The Mitochondrial Curiosities of Marcels 1-19 sports a title you’ll not soon forget, and a protagonist who challenges your patience while easily winning your affection …” — Coleen Mondor, Bookslut

You Can’t Get There From Here by Mary Anderson.   Narrated by Elizabeth Klett.
The pace of this narrative accelerates with the pace of Reggie’s tailspin as she becomes more immersed in the character Adam has created for her and she begins to have difficulty distinguiishing herself from her alter ego. Reggie’s experience is similar to those caught up in a cult. This will hold and involve readers. – Booklist

Defining Diana by Hayden Trenholm (published in print by Bundoran Press).  Narrated by Art Carlson.
Defining Diana manages to feel true to both its hardboiled and its futuristic roots. The writing presents an interesting mash-up of pulp dialogue and well-researched scientific theory. The novel’s characterizations of the SDU’s troubled and conflicted officers is also top notch. Trenholm’s solid police procedural, set in a cyberpunk Calgary, will appeal to mystery and science fiction fans alike – Chadwick Ginter, McNally Robinson

Audiobook reviewers, book bloggers, and Iambik ambassadors, email Miette for review and advance listening copies of any title.

I was looking at Iambik’s ever-growing catalog the other day, and to my delight, noticed some of the comments our narrators, proof-listeners, and listeners have been adding to some of our titles.  Apparently, I’m easy to please.  If you’re looking for recommendations for Iambik titles, here’s a small sampling of what we’ve had to say so far:

“A funny little story with an interesting look at human nature. I really enjoyed listening to Gordon read this to me.”
Linda Andrus on Andrew Kaufman’s All My Friends are Superheroes (Coach House Books), narrated by Gordon Mackenzie.

“You know how it is when you see a really great movie and all through the day for the next week you suddenly notice there’s a little scene from it playing in your head? Or when a snippet of music surfaces into your awareness from some unconscious dj in your mind? I keep hearing Tadhg’s voice here and there through the day, dished up by my internal mp3 player. Tadhg’s reading for this book is fresh and off-hand, flawed* and absolutely perfect**.”
Anita Roy Dobbs on The Failure by James Greer

“One of Joe Coomer’s best books (so far) … colorful characters living unique, yet realistic, lives. Lee Ann Howlett brings additional depth to the characters through her narration.”
Betsie Bush on Joe Coomer’s One Vacant Chair (Graywolf Press)

“This very enjoyable book reminds me of Gaston Leroux’ mysteries. Once you hear the solution to it, you cannot help but slam your head, thinking: why did I not see that? It is so logical, it is beautiful. All the clues are there, and yet…”
Nadine Eckert-Boulet on The Tattoo Murder Case by Akimitsu Takagi

“Completely loved this book – great style of writing, interesting (zany) characters, good mystery, funny yet thoughful. Fantastic narration, too, and really fitted well with the book.”
Gesine Kernchen on High Season by Jon Loomis, narrated by Charles Bice

“Excellent story; once I started listening, I could not stop until the end. Very compelling story and extremely well read by the narrator.”
Elaine Klett on Death of a Nationalist by Rebecca Pawel, read by Elizabeth Klett

“The text itself swims with demanding plot twists and labyrinthine language games, which can be a joy to read though a challenge over audio, but which Yearsley nicely lays straight. Excellently done.”
Erm, ME, on Peter Yearsley’s narration of Laird Hunt’s The Impossibly (Coffee House Press)

Listened to our titles?  Leave a comment!  I might send you a penny or more for your thoughts.  Maybe.